The Experimental Approach to the Taxonomy of the Myxomycetes

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Abstract
SUMMARY The experimental approach and its significance to the taxonomy of the Myxomycetes is presented under 4 topics: A, taxonomic significance of the Plasmodium; B, developmental studies in culture; C, stability of taxonomic characters; and D, the genetic approach. On the basis of developmental studies the transfer of Clastoderma from the Stemonitales to the Echinosteliales is proposed. It is suggested also that Barbeyella does not belong to the Stemonitales and the position of an undescribed genus and species is discussed. Hybridization experiments show that the variety obrusseum of Physarum polycephalum is not a valid taxon. The importance of experimental work before new taxa are described and before major revisions are undertaken is emphasized.